1
|
Boswell MT, Maimela T, Hameiri-Bowen D, Riley G, Malan A, Steyn N, Nolutshungu N, de Villiers TR, de Beer Z, Mathabathe J, Tshabalala K, Abdullah F, Ramlall R, Heystek M, Basu D, Rheeder P, Ueckermann V, van Hougenhouck-Tulleken W. COVID-19 severity and in-hospital mortality in an area with high HIV prevalence. South Afr J HIV Med 2023; 24:1412. [PMID: 36751479 PMCID: PMC9900246 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v24i1.1412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV infection causes immune dysregulation affecting T-cell and monocyte function, which may alter coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathophysiology. Objectives We investigated the associations among clinical phenotypes, laboratory biomarkers, and hospitalisation outcomes in a cohort of people hospitalised with COVID-19 in a high HIV prevalence area. Method We conducted a prospective observational cohort study in Tshwane, South Africa. Respiratory disease severity was quantified using the respiratory oxygenation score. Analysed biomarkers included inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers, CD4 T-cell counts, and HIV-1 viral loads (HIVVL). Results The analysis included 558 patients, of whom 21.7% died during admission. The mean age was 54 years. A total of 82 participants were HIV-positive. People living with HIV (PLWH) were younger (mean age 46 years) than HIV-negative people; most were on antiretroviral treatment with a suppressed HIVVL (72%) and the median CD4 count was 159 (interquartile range: 66-397) cells/µL. After adjusting for age, HIV was not associated with increased risk of mortality during hospitalisation (age-adjusted hazard ratio = 1.1, 95% confidence interval: 0.6-2.0). Inflammatory biomarker levels were similar in PLWH and HIV-negative patients. Detectable HIVVL was associated with less severe respiratory disease. In PLWH, mortality was associated with higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Opportunistic infections, and other risk factors for severe COVID-19, were common in PLWH who died. Conclusion PLWH were not at increased risk of mortality and those with detectable HIVVL had less severe respiratory disease than those with suppressed HIVVL. What this study adds This study advances our understanding of severe COVID-19 in PLWH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Boswell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tshegofatso Maimela
- Clinical Public Health Unit, Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Dan Hameiri-Bowen
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - George Riley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Nickietta Steyn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nomonde Nolutshungu
- Department of Medical Immunology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | | | - John Mathabathe
- Clinical Public Health Unit, Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Khanyisile Tshabalala
- Clinical Public Health Unit, Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Fareed Abdullah
- South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | | | - Debashis Basu
- Clinical Public Health Unit, Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Paul Rheeder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Veronica Ueckermann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chale-Matsau B, Kemp T, van Hougenhouck-Tulleken W, Karsas M, Pillay TS. A Rare Cause of Virilization, Short Stature, and Hypertension. Clin Chem 2021; 66:1489-1493. [PMID: 33263121 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvaa241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Chale-Matsau
- Department of Chemical Pathology and National Health Laboratory Service, Tshwane Academic Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tanja Kemp
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Maria Karsas
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tahir S Pillay
- Department of Chemical Pathology and National Health Laboratory Service, Tshwane Academic Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.,Division of Chemical Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van Hougenhouck-Tulleken W, Hussain M, do Vale C. COVID-19-related acute kidney injury and dialysis: What are the outcomes in South Africa? AJN 2021. [DOI: 10.21804/24-1-4577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients infected with COVID-19 is associated with an elevated mortality rate compared to non-infected patients (39% versus 24%). This is despite a lower prevalence of AKI in COVID-19-infected patients (17 vs 22%). The reasons are multifactorial and have been well documented in developed countries, whereas in developing countries there are scant data. Methods: This study aimed to document the mortality in COVID-19-infected South African patients who required dialysis for AKI. Exclusion criteria included any chronic kidney replacement therapy (transplantation or dialysis). A REDCap survey of South African nephrologists and nephrology fellows registered with the South African Nephrology Society was conducted. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality, while additional points of interest included comorbidities, dialysis modality and intervention required. Univariate analysis of mortality predictors was performed. Results: The COVID-19-related AKI mortality rate was 58.9%. Significant predictors included continuous veno-venous haemodialysis therapy, invasive ventilation, use of inotropes and the presence of shock. Ischaemic heart disease, heart failure and admission to a private healthcare facility were associated with lower mortality. No significant associations were found with ethnicity, sex, hypertension, diabetes, HIV infection or the use of other modes of dialysis. Conclusions: In South African patients, we report similar outcomes in critically ill patients requiring dialysis for AKI, relative to international data. The predictors of mortality most likely reflect the severity of the illness in our patients. The data suggest that continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration or slow low efficiency dialysis may be the preferred dialysis modalities in these patients.
Collapse
|
4
|
Davies M, van Hougenhouck-Tulleken W, Diana NE, Chothia MY, Nel J, Wearne N, Wadee S, Hariparshad S. Vaccination of adult patients living with chronic kidney disease against SARS-CoV-2: a position statement by the South African Nephrology Society. AJN 2021. [DOI: 10.21804/24-1-4731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Safe and effective vaccination of patients living with chronic kidney disease requires an understanding of the unique immunological milieu of this population and of their potential for disease-specific side effects. This Position Statement, issued on behalf of the South African Nephrology Society, provides recommendations for local policy development and for individual practice administration and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in patients living with chronic kidney disease.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mitton B, Rule R, Mbelle N, van Hougenhouck-Tulleken W, Said M. Post-procedural Bacillus cereus septic arthritis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Afr J Lab Med 2020; 9:1119. [PMID: 32934911 PMCID: PMC7479407 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v9i1.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacillus species are often considered as contaminants when cultured from clinical samples. Bacillus cereus may be a pathogen in certain circumstances and is known to cause musculoskeletal infections. This report aims to educate clinicians and clinical microbiology laboratories on B. cereus musculoskeletal infections and to heighten awareness that Bacillus species should not always be dismissed as contaminants. CASE PRESENTATION We report the case of a patient who presented to a tertiary hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, in November 2018 with B. cereus septic arthritis and underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The isolate would otherwise have been dismissed as a contaminant had it not been for the crucial interaction between the laboratory and the treating clinicians. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of septic arthritis caused by B. cereus in an SLE patient where the organism was cultured from the joint specimen. Identification of the organism was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME Definitive treatment was with intravenous vancomycin, continued for four weeks, in addition to arthroscopy and management of the underlying SLE. The patient had a good clinical outcome and regained full mobility. CONCLUSION Musculoskeletal infections, specifically septic arthritis caused by B. cereus, are exceedingly rare infections. Immune suppression, trauma, prosthetic implants and invasive procedures are important risk factors for B. cereus musculoskeletal infections. Close collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team approach will effect the best outcome for complicated patients with B. cereus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barend Mitton
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Tshwane Academic Division, Department of Medical Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Roxanne Rule
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Tshwane Academic Division, Department of Medical Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nontombi Mbelle
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Tshwane Academic Division, Department of Medical Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Wesley van Hougenhouck-Tulleken
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mohamed Said
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Tshwane Academic Division, Department of Medical Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Said M, van Hougenhouck-Tulleken W, Naidoo R, Mbelle N, Ismail F. Outbreak of Ralstonia mannitolilytica bacteraemia in patients undergoing haemodialysis at a tertiary hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2020; 9:117. [PMID: 32727576 PMCID: PMC7389438 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00778-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ralstonia species are Gram-negative bacilli of low virulence. These organisms are capable of causing healthcare associated infections through contaminated solutions. In this study, we aimed to determine the source of Ralstonia mannitolilytica bacteraemia in affected patients in a haemodialysis unit. Methods Our laboratory noted an increase in cases of bacteraemia caused by Ralstonia mannitililytica between May and June 2016. All affected patients underwent haemodialysis at the haemodialysis unit of an academic hospital. The reverse osmosis filter of the haemodialysis water system was found to be dysfunctional. We collected water for culture at various points of the dialysis system to determine the source of the organism implicated. ERIC-PCR was used to determine relatedness of patient and environmental isolates. Results Sixteen patients were found to have Ralstonia mannitolilytica bacteraemia during the outbreak period. We cultured Ralstonia spp. from water collected in the dialysis system. This isolate and patient isolates were found to have the identical molecular banding pattern. Conclusions All patients were septic and received directed antibiotic therapy. There was 1 mortality. The source of the R. mannitolilytica infection in these patients was most likely the dialysis water as the identical organism was cultured from the dialysis water and the patients. The hospital management intervened and repaired the dialysis water system following which no further cases of R. mannitolilytca infections were detected. A multidisciplinary approach is required to control healthcare associated infections such as these. Routine maintenance of water systems in the hospital is essential to prevent clinical infections with R.mannitolilytica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Said
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pathology Buiding, Prinshof Campus, Room 3-22, 5 Bopelo Road, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Wesley van Hougenhouck-Tulleken
- Division of Nephrology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Steve Biko Road &, Malan St, Prinshof 349-Jr, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Road &, Malan St, Prinshof 349-Jr, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rashmika Naidoo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pathology Buiding, Prinshof Campus, Room 3-22, 5 Bopelo Road, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nontombi Mbelle
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pathology Buiding, Prinshof Campus, Room 3-22, 5 Bopelo Road, Pretoria, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Services, Tshwane Academic Division, 5 Bopelo Road, Riviera, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Farzana Ismail
- National Health Laboratory Services, Tshwane Academic Division, 5 Bopelo Road, Riviera, Pretoria, South Africa.,Centre for Tuberculosis, National Institute for Communicable Disease, 1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|